To: Ralph Lauren Customer Assistance
Demand Ralph Lauren stop exploiting the UFW’s logo!
The multimillion-dollar clothing corporation Ralph Lauren has begun selling a T-shirt with the United Farm Workers' trademark eagle logo—without our permission. UFW attorneys wrote to Ralph Lauren and got a dismissive response claiming that people would not make the connection between the eagle on the T-shirt and the UFW logo. That's odd, as we heard about this violation from supporters who emailed and Facebooked us indignant about this commercial exploitation of the UFW's trademark. They didn't think it was a "Native American-inspired" eagle and neither do we.
Why is this important?
Just a few months ago, the UFW found its registered trademark black eagle logo being printed and sold by Urban Outfitters without permission on t-shirts for a whopping $65! The Latino community was in an uproar over this exploitation of our culturally rich and historic mark. Thanks to this outspoken support, Urban Outfitters contacted the UFW within hours of receiving a letter from our attorneys. Since then the UFW has been in good faith discussions with Urban Outfitters for reparations and future insurance against such violations.
Cesar Chavez’ brother Richard designed the UFW Black Eagle so that union members could easily draw it on handmade red flags. Cesar said: “A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride...When people see it they know it means dignity.”
Ralph Lauren’s expropriation of the UFW’s Black Eagle dishonors the trademark and those who have fought and died for the integrity it represents. It falsely implies the UFW may have endorsed Ralph Lauren clothing, damaging the UFW’s extensive good will.
Send Ralph Lauren a strong message that you will not stand for this. Send an e-mail to Ralph Lauren demanding Ralph Lauren respect the Latino community and UFW by immediately pulling all infringing products from its shelves. Tell Ralph Lauren that their misappropriation of the UFW's trademark logo that represents pride and dignity for our community will not be tolerated.
Cesar Chavez’ brother Richard designed the UFW Black Eagle so that union members could easily draw it on handmade red flags. Cesar said: “A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride...When people see it they know it means dignity.”
Ralph Lauren’s expropriation of the UFW’s Black Eagle dishonors the trademark and those who have fought and died for the integrity it represents. It falsely implies the UFW may have endorsed Ralph Lauren clothing, damaging the UFW’s extensive good will.
Send Ralph Lauren a strong message that you will not stand for this. Send an e-mail to Ralph Lauren demanding Ralph Lauren respect the Latino community and UFW by immediately pulling all infringing products from its shelves. Tell Ralph Lauren that their misappropriation of the UFW's trademark logo that represents pride and dignity for our community will not be tolerated.